DESTINATION SPECIAL: THE SOUTH PACIFIC (Part 1)

This week we are taking you to the world of sun, palm trees and coconuts. Sounds like a great place to do business to me.Lets meet our guest blogger from the South Pacific, David Stanley . He is going to give us the lowdown on travelling for business to those islands stretching across the southern Pacific region.

COCONUT TIME

"The first thing South Pacific travelers need to know is that it’s hot and humid in the islands year round. It’s also pretty informal, and you won’t need a suit coat unless you’re to be received by the president or prime minister. Short sleeves and lightweight cotton pants will do fine, with shorts and a pair of flip flops for after hours. You shouldn’t need to check in any luggage on the flight.

The second thing to understand is that the islands run on coconut time: The coconut will fall when it is ripe. Slowing down to the local pace right will save you a lot of frustration. Notice how everyone smiles at one another. And why not? This is paradise. If you smile, they’ll invariably smile back.

The third thing to be aware of is that island tradition is very important here. Most of the land is still owned by local families or tribes, and you couldn’t buy it for a million dollars. Leasing is always possible. Gift giving is an ancient custom in the islands, and a nice present will often get you that contract faster than all the logic in the world. It’s called “the Pacific way.”